in a nutshell
East has met west in Istanbul for a long time. Within living memory, it sat at the heart of the great Islamic empire of the Ottomans; before that, it was the capital of Byzantium, and the eastern stronghold of the Roman Empire. Today you’ll still find silk, spice and jewellery piled high in the city’s bazaars, just as you would have a hundred – or a thousand – years ago. As both the Middle East and Eastern Europe continue to develop at a blistering place, Istanbul once again finds itself right at the center of things. Talk to a few Turks, and you get the sense that’s exactly where they want to be.
GETTING AROUND
Beautiful city to walk in. Take the tram or subway for longer distances. Avoid taking the cab or car.
KNOWN FOR
Where east meets west, ancient history, eastern mystery, spices and flavors.
WHAT TO EAT
Kahvaltı (breakfast), Adana Kebap, Turkish Coffee, Lahmacun.
HOW MUCH
Dinner for 2 – $28
Beer – $3-$4
WHEN TO GO
September to November.
